Elevator motor controller



Feb. 16 ,1926. 1,573,207

I E. B. THURSTON ELEVATOR MOTOR CONTROLLER Filed August 1919 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 a 5 EU 7 7 I 4 err Feb. 16 1926. 1,573,207

- E. B. THURSTON ELEVATOR MOTOR CONTROLLER Filed August 23. 1919 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 a mud 14* 01c E. B. THURSTON ELEVATOR MOTOR CONTROLLER Feb. 16 1926. 1,573,207

Filed August 25, 1919 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Fig.4- '7 Q3 O Patented Feb. 15, 1926.

tllhll'l'lf.

Application filed August 3919. Serial No.

To all whom it may concern:

lie it known that I. EnNEsT B. 'lrrnnsron, a citizen of the United States of America. residing at Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio have invented new and useful Elevator lVIotor Controllers, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to controlling, particularly electric motors in the stopping, or when bringing to a definite stopped position.

This invention has utility when incorporated in elevator installations particularly with alternating electric current motors for readily bringing the car to landing positions under various load conditions Referring to the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a wiring diagram of an embodiment of the invention in a three phase alternating electric current elevator installation;

Fig. 2 is a detail view of a limit switch;

Fig. 33 is a wiring diagram of an alternating electric current ele 'ator installation similar to the installation of Fig. 1. except that the double setting single brake entice of the showing of Fig. 1 is herein shown as two brakes; and

Fig. 4 is a more simple wiring diagram of an electric elevator installation in which the motor is of the squirrel cage type and the control as influenced by the starting is from a solenoid instead of a torque motor,

the torque motor being shown in connection with the diagrams of Figs. 1 and Supply lines 1. 2. 3. from an alternating electric current source may extend to main switch 4 and by tip-direction switch 5 or down-direction switch 6 to ope "ate motor 7 on shaft 8. Coils 9. 10. for brake 11 may serve to release such brake from drum 12 against the resistance of spring l3 so that this shaft 8 is free to operate drum ll and thereby actuate hoisting cable 15 for elevator car '16. The other reach of this hoisting cable 17 passes from the drum it about idler IT to support counter-weight 13. In the elevator 16 is a manually operable c ntroller 1%) which. it it be desirable to have the elevator car travel upward. may he shifted. to have its contact not only co central pair of terminals 20.. position shifted to cor: minal From the central nals 20 extends line to pow 1 thus Forming one side of a circn thereby throw Inifiili.

circuit may be completed through contro 19, contact 21, line 23, sw'tch terminal of upper main limit switch 25, thence line 26 through terminal 27 of upper or auxiliary limit switch 28, thence by lines 29, SO, 81, 32, but not past interlock terminal 33 of the main switch 4. From this i terlock terminal 33 line 34 extends to coil 35 of the main switch and thence to the power supply line The main switch may not start the motor 7 until the controller 19 is moved to the further position determining the direction for the rotation rt the motor 7 as by bringing the controller 15 on to the contact 36 which is connected bv line 31' to upper main limit switch contact 38 of the switch 25, thence by line as) to cull 1'0 of the lip-direction switch This cncrgizes the switch 5 by the circuit therefrom being completed by lnie 11 to the main power supply line 3. The energizing of the switch 5 brings contact to complete circuit bv line 43 to line 34 to throw the switch 4 with the switch The contact 33 is now clost so the switch 4 may be kept closed even the switch 5 be opened.

With the main switch and tip-switch thus energized and thrown. power from line 1 may pass by the up-direction switch 5 to line 44, to solenoid -15, thereby energizing and lifting core in, thence by line. 4:7. to the 1 l motor 7. Current from the power supplv line 2 passes by the main switch 4- to line 50, thence by rip-direction switch 5, line :31. to the motor 7. Current from the po" supply line 3 passes by the main switch and thence by line to the motor 'i for i direction rotation of the motor 7 in operat ing the shat't 8 to hoist the eh *ator 16 hr line 15. i

The brake ll herein is shown 1 double setting type for gradually stoppi the car. To cll'cct control of this brake. the is provided on the upulircction switch o a contact 5?; which will permit flow of the current from the line f 39 to this terminal :3 thence by line 54. vto energize solenoid 2371i.

when the brake 11 is fully released and the main switch 4 is closed, a cutting out of the direction switch by dropping the cont-roller back 06. the terminal 36 etfects a partial setting of the brake 11. The release of this brake 11 is accomplished at one step in starting by the throwing of the terminal 56 by coil in the operation of the direction mic-ins, for line 60 between coils 9, 10, is thereby connected through terminal 56 to line 61 which has .its circuit completed to the supply line 1 by way of the line 22. Accordingly, at once the motor 7 starts in its elected direction of operation. The brake 11 is fully released.

From supply line 3 by line 41 and the line 62, current is supplied to one of the legs of squirrel cage torque motor 63. The energizing of the brake switch coil throws switch 6% wh ch permits flow of current by the line 2; a line 65 to line 66 supplying second leg of current to the torque motor 63, while the third leg is supplied from supply line 2 by line 67 to the switch 64, thence by line 68 to the torque motor 63. At once the updirection switch 5 is energized and metdentally the switch 64. There is full current supply to the torque motor 63 on shaft 69.

The torque motor shaft 69 has connected thereto a dash-pot 70 so that the time lag or rate of rotation of the shaft 69 as actuated by the torque motor 63 may be regulated by a valve 71 in the dash pot 70. Mounted on the torque motor shaft 69 adjacent the solenoid to have the core 46 thrown to engage notch 72 thereof, is disc 73. After the shaft 69 is rotated a given distance, the coil 45 throws the core 46 into notch 79 of disc 73 and anchors the shaft 69 against further rotation. Also mounted on this shaft 69 adj acent the disc 73 is a cam 74 which in the first portion of the rotation of the shaft 69 throws the switch 75 after the determined lag in the rotation of the'shaft 69 as an automatic device for permitting current fiow by lines 76, 77, 78, to cutout a portion of the resistance 79 at the motor 7. The lag is determined by the adjustment of the dashpot 70.

The notch 72 is now so'positioned in the disk 73 that it may act to hold the shaft 69 after the switch 75 has been closed, and hold it so closed until the peak of the starting current for the motor 7 has lowered a little. The coil 45 is so proportioned that, at such drop of the starting current to the motor 7, due to the motor picking up speed, the core 46 will fall to release the shaft 69. Accordingly, there is now a time lag in the automatic cut-out of the resistance for starting the motor 7. This automatic cutout by switch 75 occurs as the shaft 69 is locked by the core 46 and this switch 75 is still closed even after this locking occurs and the shaft 69 turns to the fully thrown position,

As automatically controlled by the motor 7 speeding up to permit core 46 to release the shaft 69, there occurs as the next stage of operation the final movement of the shaft; 69 for throwing a switch 80, which through lines 81, 82, 83, cuts out the balance of the resistance 79 in completing the automatic cutting out of the resistance for the operation of the motor 7. This is a motor speed function control in completing the starting.

Simultaneously with the closing of the switch 80, switch S4 is opened, which, by way of lines 85, 86, cuts out any bypassing of the upper auxiliary limit switch 28. The switches 80, 84, are operated from a cam 87 on the shaft 69, approximately at the limit of movement of the shaft 69. The shaft 69 has in either direction but limited movement, herein shown as a swing short of 180" and determined by arm 88 moving from lower position of weight 89 to fixed stopping point 90.

If the operator of the, car 16 moves the controller 19 off the point 36 while the car is ascending toward the upper landing the direction switch 5 is opened, the brake coils 9 and 10, instead of being in parallel are placed in series and the motor 7 is stopped. This partial setting of the brake 11 gives a slight drag or hold action for sliding the car 16 to the landing. This coasting operation occurs notwithstanding the car 16 strikes the auxiliary switch 28 to open the contact 27. Cutting out of the terminal 42 by deenergizing the direction switch 5, also cuts out power to the torque motor 63. The. shaft 69 accordingly is returned by the weight 69 to starting position opening switches 75 and 80, and closing switch 84 which permits current to by-pass the upper auxiliary switch 28 by way of the line 85, switch 84 and line 86 to maintain the main switch 4 energized and thus keep coils 9 and 11 energized in series.

However, if the operator of the car 16 holds the controller 19 so that it is on the cont-act 36 or in .full thrown position for direction travel and the car 16 strikes the auxiliary limit stop 28 to open such st op, atonce the main switch 4 is deenergized for the-re may not be by-passing by way of the switch 84 for such switch 84 is open due to the fact that the torque motor 63 is still energized because the direction switch 5 is closed and also the brake switch coil 55 is energized to hold switch 64 closed This opening of the main switch 4 by the opening of the auxiliary stop switch 28 cuts out the power from two of the legs of the brake coils 9, 10, of the brake 11 thus giving a full setting of the brake for stopping the motor 7 as well as simultaneously cutting off the power supply to the motor 7. This application of full stopping action by the spring 13 on the brake drum 1? should insure stopping of the elevator 16 before it strikes the main stop limit switch 25.

In order that the operator ot the car 16 may release the brake 11, it is essential that the controller 19 be moved centerward olf the direction terminal 236 so that the direction switch 5 may be deenergized and thus open to release the torque motor 63. ith the controller 19 in full off position, the torque motor arm 88 is back to initial or lower starting position to which it is drawn by the weight 89. However. the car 16 is in .position to hold the auxiliary stop limit switch 28 open. but with the torque motor 63 released and the shaft (39 returned to starting position. the switch S-l is closed so that there may be Irv-pass of this open switch 28 by the lines 85. R6. and the car may he opcrated in the same direction to bring it up to the desired landing position short of full limit switch 2;").

This device accordingly is a safety scheme insuring no over-winding in car operation even though the operator may he careless. The main limit stop switch 35 operated in its usual manner through its terminals EZ-t and 38 for cutting out not only the direction switch 5, but the main switch 4. A discussion for up dircction has been gone into in detail and similar control is effective for the down direction auxiliary limit switch 91 having by-pass line 92 and down main switch 93.

Besides modifying to a double brake the single partial brake release feature to permit more accurate landing with case as shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 3 has additional cam 94 on the torque switch shaft C9 for operating the switch 84. Brake 48 sets only on opening of a direction switch, while brake 11 sets on opening of the main or a direction switch.

In Fig. 4 there issho'wn a squirrel cage motor 95 instead of slip ring type of motor as in the other diagrams of Fig. 3, but there is still incorporated the safety auxiliary stopping device. However, herein this is by means of a coil 96 energized as the direction switch is thrown in, to open the switch 84: against the action of spring 97 as retarded or cushioned by dash pot 98 adjusted by valve 99.

(Ht position is any one of three central positions when there is not direction switch control for car travel.

What is claimed and it. is desired to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. An elevator, a way in which said elevator may travel, a power drive for the clevator. a brake, a controller for the elevator power drive embodying a plurality of contacts in one direction of controller opera tion, brake connections from the controller effective when the controller is in position for operating the drive for releasing the brake, a connection from the controller as shifted back, but when still on the same direction contact, for partially setting the brake, connections effective from the controller when the controller is shifted further to tally off said direction control for more fully setting the brake, and in a common direction in travel in said way and spaced from each other along said way, a. pair of elevator stopping controlling means independently operable by the elevator for simultaneously rendering ellective both set tings ot' the brake when the controller is in on position.

2. An elevator, a step set brake therefor. main and auxiliary limit switches independs ently operable by the elevator in etlecting independent settings of the brake, and a controller for releasing the. brake between said settings.

3. A polyphase electric motor. means actnable thereby, a polyphase power supplv tor the motor. a step set brake for the means embodying windings providing a different number of phases in the ditlcrent steps of said brake control. and a stop control device for the motor having main and auxiliarv switches independently operable by the means to cut off the power supply from the motor and effect setting of the b ake.

l. An electric motor. a controller thcrcl'or embodying two starting switches for the motor, said controller having one position at which position said controller etlects closmg of both starting switches, a first stopping switch for opening one of the starting switches, and connections from said controller effective as an independent operation from said first stopping switch for opening the other starting switch.

5. An electric motor, a controller therefor emhodying'two starting switches for the motor, said controller having one position at which position said controller effects closing of both starting switches. means actuable by the, motor including a first stopping switch for opening one of the starting switches, and a second independently operable stop ping switch for opening both starting switches.

(3. An electric motor. a controller therefor embodying a main switch and a pair of direction switches, said controller having at a single position connections ettecting closing of the main and a direction switch, means actnable by the motor, including a first stopping switch for opening the main switch. and a second stopping switch for opening direction switch.

7. An electric motor. a controller therefor embodying a main switch and a pair of direction switches, said controller having at a single po -Tlll01l connections eliecting closing of the main and a direction switch. means actuable by the motor, including a first stop lUJ Ill

ping switch for openingthe main switch, and a second stopping switch for opening the main and a direction switch.

8. An elevator, an electric motor drive therefor, a controller for the motor having main and direction switches, said controller having at a single position connections effecting closing of the main and a direct on switch, main and auxiliary limit switches independently operable for opening the controller switches.

9. An elevator, an alternating electric current motor, a controller for the motor having main and direction switches, said controller having, at a single position connections ctl'ecting closing of the main and a direction switch. near each end of elevator travel main and auxiliary limit switches st ccessivelv operable by the elevator 1n its travel. and connections for the auxiliary limit switch to open the main controller switch and for independent operation of the main limit switch to open the main controller switch and a direction switch.

10. An elevator, an alternating electric current motor for operating the elevator, a controller for the motor having otl' and on positions. a brake for the motor, said controller having a main switch provided with connections to the motor affecting the brake, a direction switch, there being connections from a single on' position of the controller effective for operating both switches to closing position, a limit switch operable to atfect the brake independently of operating the direction switch, and a second independently operable limit' switch for opening the direction switch.

11. An elevator, a controller, automatic limit stop means. a brake connected to be affected by the, stop means for holding the elevator, and a by pass for the stop means connected by shifting the controller to off position, said controller being then again shittable to release the brake for etl'ecting further operation of the elevator in the same direction.

12. An elevator. a motor therefor, main and direction switches for the motor, a controller for said switches, a first automatic limit stop nreans rendered inoperative by the controller in one position at which position the controller is eil'ective in opening one of said switchesiindepemlently of the other, and second automatic limit stop means operable inde endently of the position of the controller.

H. An elevator, a controller having startiag coma-ctions. means energized by the con troller for opening the starting connections, and a limit switch in parallel with the open starting connections. said controller operable, to cut out. the limit switch independently of returning the controller to oil posi tion.

14. An elevator, an electric motor there for, a controller for the motor having starting connections including a switch, a limit; stop in parallel with said starting connection switch, and means operable by the con troller in starting to open the starting con nection switch.

15. In a limit stop safety device for an elevator, a controller having oil' and on positions, a brake for the elevator, and means for bypassing the safety device embodying breaks releasing connections eflfective when the elevator is stopped by the device, said connections for the brake from the controller requiring first shifting of the controller to off position before shifting to the same on position for thereby effecting further travel of the elevator in the same direction.

16. An elevator, a limit stop device therefor, a motor for the elevator, a controller for the motor having oil and on positions, a brake for the elevator, and means for bypassing the stop device. when the elevator is stopped by the device, said means including brake releasing connections between the device and controller requiring first bringing the controller t0 off position before said on position may be effective.

17. An elevator, a limit stop device therefor, an electric motor for the elevator, a controller for the motor having oil and on positions, main and direction switches closed by the controller. said device having connections for opening the main switch when the device is actuated by the car with the controller in on position as to a direction switch for effecting stopping of the car, but rendered inoperative when the controller is in position with the main switch closed and the direction switch open.

18. An elevator. an electric motor for the elevator, a b ake for the elevator, a controller for the motor having ofi and on positions, main and dircction'switches closed by the controller at one position of. the controller. a limit stop device for the elevator op erable to open said switches with the controller in on position, and connections from said device inel'l'ective as to the switches when the controller is in off position, thereby permitting release of the brake by shifting the controller toan on position.

19. An elevator, a limit stop device therefUl'. an QlPCtl'lC lllUtOl' fol llltv lltYtll lll', ll (.(Hltroller for the motor having of? and on positions, main and direction switches closed by the controller. said device having connections ineffective as to the switches when the controller is otl. and a switch permitting b vpassing of the device tor resetting the main switch only when the controller is iirst brought to oil position.

20. An elevator. an electric motor for the elevator, a controller for the motor, a brake for the motor, said controller having a main switch provided with connections to the mo tor atl'ecting the brake, a direction switch, said switches being operable to closed position from a single position of the controller, and a limit switch l'rv-passcd by shifting of the controller wherelrv the controller may release the brake. said limit switch hein op erahle to afi'ect the lirake independently of opening the direction switch.

21. An elevator, an alternating electric, current motor for the elevator, a controller for the motor. a hralce tor the motor, said controller having a main switch provided with connections to the motor affecting the brake, a direction switch. said switches heing both operable to closed position from a single position of the controller, a limit .switch lay-passed hy shifting the controller whereby the controller may release the brake, sald limit switch operable to attect the brake independently of operating the direction switch, and a second independentl v operable limit switch for opening the direction switch.

22. An elevator. an electric motor for the elevator, a controller for the motor, a brake for the motor. said controller having a main Switch provided with connections to the m0- tor affecting the brake. a direction switch, a limit switch operable to affect the brake ir dependently of opening" the direction switch and connected to he operated by movement of the elevator into a predetermined position. and connections from the controller for hypassine said limit switch, whereby the controller may release the brake for operating the elevator in said limit. switch controlled rcgion of elevator travel.

In witness whereof I afiix my signature.

ERNEST B. THURSTON. 

